Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You decide to paint over the old paint.
After discussing the situation with Mrs. Townley, you decide to paint over
the old paint. She's pleased with your decision because not only will
it save her money, but her home will be lovely for her granddaughter's
visit.
She assures you that over the years, other painters have repainted the
surfaces with reasonable results.
You finish the job, get paid and leave, with Mrs. Townley waving at you
from the front door, a huge smile on her face. You immediately get to work
on your next job, and you are able to stay on schedule so all your customers
are happy.
Two months later, Mrs. Townley calls you. The paint is flaking in several
areas, and she's very unhappy.
"If this person has had her home for years and has been painting it with
reasonable results, and if I go there, paint the surface, and it fails badly
within a month or two, she's going to blame me. If I go after the fact
and say it was going to peel because it was loose to start with, she's
not going to believe me, of course," says David Lick, who teaches painting
to trades students.
You stop by her home and inspect the surfaces. The new paint didn't
adhere because the existing paint wasn't adhering. Now, you've got
a disgruntled customer.
Though you made it clear to Mrs. Townley that you wouldn't guarantee
your work if you simply painted over the existing surfaces, she's forgotten.
Now her son, who is a lawyer, is threatening to sue you if you don't
go back and correct the situation.
Your reputation is on the line, you're facing a lawsuit
and you feel sorry for the elderly woman who is so clearly unhappy with her
home.
Maybe you shouldn't have taken the easy way out. Remember: The key
to a long-lasting, professional-looking paint job is to prepare the surface
properly first.